Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is a University of Minnesota field station dedicated to learning how ecosystems work, appreciating their value, and preserving them for future generations.
Three ecosystems converge at Itasca: coniferous forest, eastern deciduous forest, and tall grass prairie. Plants and animals native to each are abundant in the 50 square miles of the park. The spectacular variety of undisturbed habitats makes Itasca an outstanding site for field research and training.
The station was established in 1909 within Itasca State Park, which is Minnesota’s oldest state park. Seventy rustic buildings that comprise the station are situated on the eastern shore of Lake Itasca, near the headwaters of the Mississippi.
Over the past century, the station has attracted tens of thousands of students, teachers and scientists. The Itasca library holds more than 900 articles and dissertations and 2,500 student papers based on research carried out at Itasca.
Operated by the College of Biological Sciences, Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories is available to the entire University community and to other schools and groups.
From its unique location at the pristine headwaters of the Mississippi River to the incredible biodiversity found in this living laboratory, the Itasca experience has come to define biology education at the University of Minnesota. Hear from faculty and students about what makes Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories such a critical and necessary resource.
